Chelsea and U.S. national team goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina has completed a season-long loan to Belgian side KAS Eupen.
Slonina, 19, is looking to earn his first taste of senior minutes in Europe, having initially signed for Chelsea last August from the Chicago Fire in a reported $10 million deal.
After finishing the 2022 MLS season with the Fire, Slonina moved to London in January and made eight starts for Chelseaโs U-21 side.
The teenager is highly rated at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino saying last week the American could become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
โIt is a unique opportunity for KAS Eupen to sign a goalkeeper with the talent and class of Gabriel Slonina for a season,” said the Belgian club’s general director Christoph Henkel.
“After all, some top European clubs were also interested in his commitment before he moved to Chelsea. We look forward to working with Gabriel Slonina and are confident that he will bring strength to our team and help us achieve this season’s goals.”
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Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina on loan to KAS Eupen this season ๐งค
Welcome to the Panda Family @GabrielSlonina ๐ผ #goalkeeper #chelsea #kaseupen #teampanda pic.twitter.com/v17NGee5IM
— KAS Eupen (@kas_eupen) August 10, 2023
Slonina went on Chelsea’s preseason tour of the U.S. this summer, and made his senior debut for the club against Fulham at FedEx Field on July 30.
The teenager also made his senior international debut this year, becoming the youngest USMNT goalkeeper ever when he started a January friendly against Serbia.
Eupen has already started the 2023-24 season in the Belgian Pro League, winning one and drawing one from its first two matches.
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